ii2 THE BOOK OF MARKET GARDENING 



a level, and not huddled together in an irregular 

 manner. 



Onions are made up into bunches and " ropes," 

 but the latter mode is not so generally practised now as 

 formerly ; at one time in the Onion-growing districts of 

 Bedfordshire it constituted quite an important occupa- 

 tion. It is also a convenient method for marketing the 

 crop, and the Onions keep well when the " ropes " can 

 be suspended in a suitable place. The method is 

 especially adapted for good medium-sized roots with 

 small " necks," the greater part of the top being 

 removed, and the Onions are bound on with string to a 

 foundation of cord, reeds, straw, or anything similar 

 that will keep sufficiently firm for the purpose. They 

 are tied on in succession, so that the " necks " are 

 covered and a compact, even " rope" is formed a yard 

 or more in length, bearing in four rows about a peck 

 of Onions. 



Ordinary bunches of large ripe Onions are not 

 satisfactory, as however well they may be tied, the tops 

 are apt to break away and some of the roots become 

 lost or loose. But for the early spring or salad onions, 

 this method is the best that can be employed, and the 

 bunching of these crops is as extensively carried on 

 early in the season as it is with Radishes. Usually for 

 market purposes a small handful is tied with matting, 

 and some certain number of these are formed into a 

 bunch spread out rather flat ; but the retailers divide 

 these into the original size, or make up some of their 

 own to suit their trade. A large proportion of the 

 larger and later Turnips, Carrots, and Onions are sold 

 loose by measure or weight, in baskets or bags, the 

 only packing needed being care in the exclusion of 

 defective specimens, and providing that all spaces are 

 filled. 



Bunches of the larger roots are best packed in crates, 



